In the Matter of R.
Anonymous tip spurs Social Services investigation of homeschooling family

Filed: January 24, 2003, Fairfax County.

Nature of Case: The R. family was investigated by the Department of Social Services in January 2003. There were allegations of mental abuse and neglect centering on their adopted African-American daughter. The allegations included a claim that she was treated differently from the other children because of her race. The R. family met with Fairfax County social workers and allowed them to interview each of the children.

Rulings: On March 3, 2003, the department sent a completed family assessment, advising them of their right to petition the Circuit Court to obtain the identity of the person who made the complaint. Because of our interest in testing this portion of Virginia CPS law, HSLDA agreed to assist Mr. R. in filing the petition. HSLDA filed the petition on April 26, 2003.

Status: HSLDA submitted a proposed order to the judge on August 29, 2003, after meeting with the family and deciding that the report, although false, was probably not made maliciously. The family decided to drop the petition. Closed.